Sadler’s Wells’ Family Weekend returns

Families are in for more fun and activities at Sadler’s Wells this spring with the return of the Islington venue’s annual Family Weekend.

The 2014 festival, which takes place on 18 and 19 April, will feature two days of family friendly shows alongside a range of activities to entertain the little ones before and after the performances.

Following its success at last year’s event, Carol Ann Duffy’s version of Rapunzel for children aged six and older will return to the main stage with its colourful costumes and captivating music.

The tale of a girl with cascading hair, which is narrated by Lesley Sharp, will be accompanied by an afternoon dance workshop for adults and children exploring the images, themes and movement in the production.

Children who are too young for Liv Lorent’s reimagining of the Brothers Grimm fairytale can instead enjoy the return of gobbledegook’s Deep In The Woods, which is suitable for ages two to five-years-old.

The interactive show about a brave little girl who ventures into a dark and mysterious forest intertwines shadow play, interactive video installations and contemporary dance as it follows the girl on her bewitching adventure.

Like Rapunzel, Deep In The Woods will be complemented by a workshop that allows participants to explore the imaginary woodland by jumping, crawling, sliding and stretching their way into its enchanting depths.

The two-day festival adds to the wealth of family dance shows on offer in April. Sadler’s Wells’ West End venue, the Peacock Theatre, will also host My First Ballet: Coppélia (8 to 19 April) and London Children’s Ballet’s adaptation of Emma Thompson’s blockbuster film Nanny McPhee (24 to 27 April).